Today’s ballot result demonstrates the sense of injustice amongst teachers at this treatment of new and recently qualified colleagues. It shows that teachers at all stages of their careers are prepared to act in a collegiate spirit and stand up for the most vulnerable teachers in their schools.

Principals have said they believe the issue will be resolved before any schools have to shut their doors to pupils.

A statement from the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals says:

The primary interest of the NAPD is to look after the best interest of all our members, teachers and students. We need to ensure that a positive atmosphere is maintained within our staff rooms and schools at all times.

We are confident that this issue will be resolved and we are asking that all efforts are made to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion without delay.

Separately, the union’s members have also voted to withdraw from unpaid supervision and substitution hours.

ASTI teachers voted against the Lansdowne Road Agreement in 2015 and withdrew from what were known as Croke Park Hours.

In response, the Department of Education withheld pay for supervision and substitution work.